DITHERING DITSY!

One might suppose that a person whose first "word of the day" for the week is "dither" would profit with that head's up.

But.....when one's spouse will be undergoing some serious surgery within a week..... All-a Dither has been my response!

 

The "indecisively" definition is  boldly true! Decision making is beyond difficult for me! So many factors. So much beyond my control!

Sounds like real life, doesn't it?

But God, in HIs love and mercy can use those factors to "up my trust factor." Trust God, not self!

Even this "Dithering Ditsy" understands the importance of placing your trust in the right place.....with the only ONE who is trustworthy!!

TRUST GRAMMATICALLY!

Today, we go to sign our wills AGAIN! A redo of our wills for at least the 3rd time. We had hoped to set up a "trust" but in this itty bitty town that can't happed.

However, I am more focused on trust as a verb. 

A verb that emphasizes faith in action!

Trust God in all times and in all ways. Acknowledge Him daily to guide your paths. Trust leads to straight paths.

Continuous Action = grammatically correct trust.

FLOURISHING FAITH!

How does one recognize "flourishing faith" these days? 

Flourishing like a palm tree....flourishing in the courts of our God. 

(Psalm 92:12-13)

Think thrive.

Delighting in the LORD. 

Yielding fruit. (Psalm 1:3) Even in old age. (Psalm 92:14)

Think Biblical optimism. Living your best life regardless of circumstances.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD (Jeremiah 17:7, NKJV) 

Trusting God at all times is a base camp for a flourishing faith!

Never be lulled into self-sufficiency.

Exercise daily "trust-steps" to the straight path. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Make the LORD your trust. (Psalm 40:4)

Many will see the LORD in your flourishing and put their trust in the LORD.

GOD'S DIRECTIONS!

How does one follow God's will.....for His purpose and His glory!

Directions are needed. Directions are found in His word! Trust is key. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Sometimes I desire specifics. 

Sometimes God clearly leads.....follow the narrow path and turn toward the cross!

Clarity of direction is needed, O Lord!

HEART CHOICES!

Why can some decisions seem so difficult? 

I love Scotty Smith's * illustration of ease in decision making as he stands at the cereal and chooses the one that is "buy one, get one free."

I prefer those "easy" choices, because I know the outcome of those decisions. Cereal Decision = Money Saved! A lure for a frugal lady!

Other decisions require a spiritual compass for me and still give me "heart knots." (a Scotty term) Yet, knowing God leads in many ways---through his word, prayers and the counsel of others.....discerning His will, as one decides, can still be difficult.

One thing I do know is our heart choices must honor Jesus first.

*More food for thought from Scotty Smith--

In our time-framed decisions, what will honor you the most, Jesus? What choice is most in keeping with the truth and rhythms of the Gospel? Are we running from something for which you haven’t given us running shoes yet? Are we seeking, seeing proverbial “greener pastures” that, like all pastures, turn brown in time? May your peace rule in our hearts, as we discern and decide.

JOURNEY OF LIFE!

FRIDAY. MAY 10, 2024---momentous day for our oldest grand & soon to come, a kindergarten “participation” diploma for our youngest grandson!

Whether shaking hands and whooping or smiling in delight, may both choose joy in the next steps of their journey as both continue in academics!

FLIP-FLOP MENTALITY

Sister-in-law Charlotte is a flip flop fiend! Her closets back me up on this! I probably would be as well, if I had "pretty toes" like she has!

My only flipflop leanings are in my "distractible mind." It is difficult for me to focus and it seems to be getting worse with each new year. 

How does one undo forgetfulness as they age? Recall failure flusters without allowing forgetfulness to push out peace?

Minds are steadfast, keeping peace of thoughts when they trust in YAH the LORD......Isaiah 26:3

Romans 12:2 reminds us (me) to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things."

As Paul says in Philippians 2:1-5, be mindful and live with an awareness of the present. On a straight path. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Steadfast. Transformed. Renewed. Mindset. Mindful.

Have the mind of Christ.

 

Put the "Flip-Flop" mind back in the closet where it belongs!

CRACKED POT!

Beautiful Garden Pot. A pot with a history. It was given by sweet friend Julie, when she moved to DC & then on to Florida. A friend who joined with me in prayer for our terminal cancer friend, Claudia. It seems one of us was always with her even at the hospice center. That adds to the beauty of the pot.

Yet, there's another side....often hidden from view. A brokenness I've tried to keep hidden, since the Feb.'22 ice storm.....even though I know the beautiful story of its history.

Like me. A cracked pot. Rarely do I show my cracks. 

But God in his love and mercy....is close to me even when I am broken and crushed & choosing not to show my cracks.

He does not despise my brokenness. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)

HALLELUJAH!

REFLECTIONS FROM A HYACINTH

In many cultures hyacinths are seen as harbingers of spring and rebirth.

At my house, not so much. The fragrance gives hubby a headache. Their limited life at my hands showed that I was not a horticulturist. Yet, as beautiful as they were the first day I received the gift, it wasn't long before they seemed to droop, lose their color and reflect my sinking spirit....tho trying not to grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3)

Ever seen a dropping plant that seems to represent your day?

Words from Hebrews 12:12 described me well---I need to strengthen my drooping (ESV) limp (Berean) listless (NET) feeble (NIV) tired (NLT) weak (NASB) hands and shaking (CEV) trembling (GNT) knees. 

The New Living Translation reminds me to "get a grip"... for tired hands and strength for weak knees. I need firmness in my resolve. Not from self but from Him!

The drooping hyacinth seemed to reflect these physical and emotional maladies. May the Lord level the path of my feet as I desire to walk in the path He has for me whether I understand it or not.....so that I might not be disabled for ministry but able to glorify Him as I pursue peace with all people that many may see the Lord rather than me and my complaints.(Hebrews 12-13 -14)

 

Look closely at the hyacinth. Do you see it? On the right side. 

Rebirth springing forth. 

May that be reflected in my life today....as I seek to walk in a manner worth of the gospel, regardless of my circumstances! (Colossians 1:10)

CHOICES

Choose, Dotsy! It's your choice!

My "just in case" plans..........God's Plan A.

Pull up by my bootstraps mentality........God's strength.

Walk in my own way.............Walk worthy of the gospel message.

What does it look like when I make poor choices and depend on self rather than God? The visual answer is below.

I either run out of steam temporarily.....or I burn out completely.

Brother Buddy reminded me that I was embracing a little too much of "Mildred's" busyness/do it all for everyone persona. I tried to explain that I was being "other-oriented." He reminded me as I choose to be  God oriented, He will help me say no when necessary. 

The Lord will direct me to be "others-oriented" on His guided path. (Proverbs 3:5-6, a Bro Buddy fave) 

Where He guides, He provides---with time and strength. I think I just heard an "AMEN" from my brother!

WOWS FOR WEDNESDAY!

WOWS = Week of Word Study. So....I had to share it today.

Jesus Always entry for wordsmith Doris' birthday (5/9) really had me considering parts of speech, in particular prepositions.

Prepositions express a relation to another word (usually a noun or pronoun)  For me, the noun/pronoun subject relation was Jesus Christ, by whose blood I am redeemed. 

• With Him, I can be honest. (Proverbs 30:5)
• I can be confident in Him. (2 Corinthians 3:4)
• I can lean on Him. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• I can connect with Him through prayer anytime, anyplace. (Joshua 1:9)
• I can always trust in Him. (Psalm 9:10, 20:7)

For all of  His blessings, I say WOW! You are my God. (Psalm 31:14)

WAIT---WEIGHT another "spiritual" grammar lesson

Homophones, a type of homonym, sound the same but differ in meaning and spelling.

Jenni W's lessons on "Praying in the Waiting Room" spoke volumes to me as I began to understand the importance of a "shift in thinking."

Waiting rooms mostly have a bad connotation, unless it's an OB floor where loved ones are awaiting a new little "bundle of joy." Yet, there is a sweetness that comes from lessons learned in God's waiting room. I am grateful for the spiritual aspect of these grammar lessons the Lord has for me. 

Wait to weight was an important "homophone" lesson for me. A lesson in shifting. Shifting my weight to His strength. Waiting can be burdensome. Hard to carry alone.

As I wait on the Lord, I need to shift my weight as I lean on Him. Leaning on anything else---my own understanding or planning, draws me away from God. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Shifting---A lesson of rest for my soul and rest for my restless mind. (Matthew 11:28-30) 

Trusting in anything apart from God has me in my own stead.....and I am no substitute for God!

Give Him the weight of your (my) burdens as we (I) wait for answers.

Thrust of Trust

This summer has been a time of transition, concerns and difficult decisions for many of my dear ones, both friends and family: Farming friends rushing to get hay in before the rains; Special needs births, both here and in Mexico; A distressing cancer diagnosis for a young mom; Joblessness; A child's poor decision resulting in life altering consequences; Housing needs/renting/ selling/buying; Impending surgeries; School needs for children when money is lacking; Marital disappointment/discord, here and abroad; Ministry decisions; End of life approach for one's sibling. 

Today's Jesus Calling (7/15) once again speaks to me right where I am in my concern as I seek to pray for these difficulties. Sarah Young writes" "Throw off this oppressive burden with one quick thrust of trust,"

Do you, too, need a thrust of trust? If so, here's a trove of my favorite "trust" verses to help you in your thrusting.

• Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, NIV)
• But I trust in your unfailing love; (Psalm 13:5a) 
• Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7)
• But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."(Psalm 31:14)
• O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. (Psalm 84:12)
• Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Keep on thrusting; It increases trusting.

"Directionali-TEA"

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when He delights in his way; (Psalm 37:23, ESV)

Have you ever struggled with finding direction for your life? Which way to go? Where to turn for help? Even when one knows the "direction to heaven," (John 3:16) she can still need direction for the daily grind. God's Word certainly offers needed direction.

So.....why is it so hard to "let go and let God?" Excessive over-planning can wear one out. So....why continue in that "insanity?"

I've decided to stop asking those questions in my mind and start reading:

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 30:21, And your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.

The Lord delights in the one who chooses to follow Him, as Psalm 37:23 reminds us. I like the comfort offered by that verse but I also hang my "faith hat" on the verse that follows, especially when I make poor choices or go off on my own path.

When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand. (Psalm 37:24, NASB)

Regardless.....when one's life rests in the hands of the Lord, all directions lead to Him!

Directionali-TEA---to be sipped in that blessed assurance.

Twis-TEA---Curvy paths

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)

Twis-TEA---Turvy paths----life is full of them as today's Jesus Calling entry reminded me. But God....is there.....if we "dare to walk on the high road with Him. The low road is circuitous: twisting and turning in agonizing knots." Trust is the direct route to the Lord; the straight path to heaven. 

Before you go out to face your day, choose to sit with a cuppa and your trusty (trus-TEA) Friend. Then, watch as this trustworthy One will straighten those twis-TEA-Curvy paths....even if you're walking them in mid-matched shoes.

NOT a staged picture.
Just the result of a twisty-turvy, distracted mind going to appt with Dr. H.
& not even noticing, until sitting in the office. Hey, at least both are black!

D-Day

10/24/13  Fortified with chocolate and tea, I go forth in my day. 

Is any of that spiritual? NO! 

Is it healthy? NO! 

Does it make me feel better? Yes, at least a little bit around the edges. Sometimes a girl just has to do what a girl has to do.....tea & chocolate!

But God.....I have also prayed Proverbs 3: 5-6 as I seek God's direction for some important decisions.

Even Dove Chocolate gave me a reminder....
"Happiness is in the heart, not in our circumstances."

Armed with verses, from "astute" Aggie in France, I head out the door.....for D-Day, my day of reckoning.

Psa. 27:1 Isa. 26:3. Psa. 112:7-8 Psa. 56:3. Psa. 27:5,6 I Pet. 5:10-11.

MAIZE MAZE

10/3/10 Pathways----often run in several directions. How does one choose the right path to take? Do you think it’s easy to follow a path, especially if you have directions and a map? If so, then you’ve not tried to navigate a corn maze with a 3-yr.old.

The cooler temps weather was perfect this weekend for a maize adventure with grandson, Owen. What I hadn’t counted on was how difficult it would be just to keep up with one who thought every adventure included running---though the rules specifically stated, ”No Running!” Being aware of the rules is one thing. Following those rules is another.

It also was easy to get turned around and make the same wrong turn more than once. We were lured by the shiny bridges and climbed over them, which seemed more enticing than going under them, even though the “duller” way was the right way.

Life paths are like that. It’s not always clear which path to take. Sometimes, even knowing the right way, one might choose wrongly because it looks like more fun. Scripture gives so many directions and instructions for taking the path that leads to wise living. The Bible can be a very clear map. Proverbs alone gives much wisdom---God’s guidance for life’s choices. Though not promises, they can help one choose the correct path for wise living.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Life might not be a maize maze but it is a confusing network of paths, some connecting and some dead ends---we need help navigating them. For some, help comes with a “Shug” (grandmother) to read the clues, help hold your hand as you climb the steep steps, pick you up and brush off the dust when you stumble and give you some cool refreshing water along the way.

T= TABERNACLE

1/18/10 So many “T”-Words remind me of the Lord:
Trustworthy, the One in whom I can put my trust.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

True, the standard for truth is this One called Faithful and True.
Daily we are bombarded with words---but these words neither satisfy nor nourish because many of them are delivered by those who speak self-serving lies.
We should listen to the One who is Truth and cannot lie.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

Tent/Tower of Strength,
3For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy. 4Let me dwell in Your tent forever; (Psalm 61:3-4)

Tabernacle, the “T” word that resonates most with me---it’s just another word for describing Christ as the dwelling place of God—sounds like a synonym for sanctuary to me. The biblical definition for both of those words “rings” loud and clear---His Presence, the place where we can meet face-to-face with Him, both now and throughout eternity.

Meditate on this "tabernacle" truth along with my Community Bible Study friends who are studying Revelation this year.

2And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.
3And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,
4and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
5And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new " And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."
(Revelation 21:2-5)